Making new sections for the Lutyens model

Many important parts of the model's exterior had been lost or damaged, including spires, belfries and the intricate lantern that had surmounted the dome. These have been recreated by conservators using traditional techniques. Conservators decided to make the entirely new sections distinctive by leaving them unpainted. Only where new wood or plaster has been added to originally painted facades have these parts been coloured to harmonise. The dark and light contrasting wood of the interior shows clearly the extent of the work at the close of the project in 1934, the lighter wood being our completion of the work seventy years later.

Have a look at photos taken of some of the new sections being made and details showing where new sections have been added to original pieces of the model, in the image gallery.